Roslin and Bilston Neighbourhood Plan
March 2014 THE KIND OF PLACE WE WOULD LIKE Roslin and Bilston TO BE: OUR vision for the future
ROSLIN AND BILSTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2014
2 Contents
Section 1 Introduction...... 5 Section 2: About Roslin and Bilston...... 6 Section 3: Population...... 8 Section 4 What we asked...... 9 Section 5 What people said about Roslin...... 10 Section 6 What people said about Bilston...... 13 Section 7 What we’ll do; the Roslin Action Plan ...... 16 Section 8 What we’ll do; the Bilston Action Plan ...... 19 Section 9 Reporting and Review...... 22 Section 10 Community Planning Partners...... 22 Section 11 Acknowledgements...... 22
ROSLIN AND BILSTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2014
3 ROSLIN AND BILSTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2014
4 Section 1: INTRODUCTION
Midlothian Moving Forward, A steering group of community The Roslin and Bilston the Community Planning representatives working with Neighbourhood Plan recognises Partnership, is committed to different agencies was formed and values the strengths of placing communities at the to find out what the local issues local communities and local heart of community planning. and concerns are and to take residents, and seeks to build This involves producing forward the plan. upon their knowledge, skills and neighbourhood plans in each of expertise. Midlothian’s sixteen Community In setting up the Community Council areas. Neighbourhood Planning Partnership, Midlothian Planning is about improving Moving Forward has agreed the local communities in a way following priorities which have which brings together local both guided the consultation residents with agencies in order and the findings described in to identify and find solutions this document: to local issues. This plan is Adult Health and Care focused on the Roslin and • Bilston Community Council • Getting It Right For Every area and describes the area Midlothian Child it represents and lists the • Sustainable Growth changes, developments and improvements local residents • Ensuring the local area is a would like to see taking place. safe place to live, work, grow up in and visit • Improving opportunities
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5 Section 2: About Roslin and Bilston
Roslin and Bilston are two small closed in 1988 and has been in Bilston, to the north of towns located off the A701 in redeveloped as a business Seafield Road, called “Cameron Midlothian. Both are surrounded park. Local amenities include Gardens”. This development by rural land with several a number of small local shops is due to accommodate 198 woodland walks located in the and services, Bilston Miners homes. A further site on the scenic Roslin Glen. & Welfare Club and Bilston southern edge of Bilston is Bowling Club. The Church Hall also allocated for 150 homes Apart from sharing a Community and a Pavilion provide facilities and planning permission in Council, a Medical Practice, a and meeting spaces for a range principle has now been granted. Dentist and a Primary School of community groups including, In addition, the Council, as part the view of local people is that the lunch club, youth and of the preparation of the new they are two quite separate children’s clubs, dance groups Midlothian Local Development and distinct villages. They for young people and the after Plan, has been consulting are separated by a very busy school club. Bilston Miners through a Main Issues Report on road which, although it has a Club, which is an important local future residential development pavement, is narrow and difficult resource, is looking at ways on the northern edge of Bilston to walk along. in which its facilities can be for 320 homes, with potential for developed. a further 230 homes depending Bilston on ground conditions. However, Bilston is a small former mining Building work has started on a no decisions have been taken village. Bilston Glen Colliery major new housing development yet, with the Proposed Plan
ROSLIN AND BILSTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2014
6 expected to be available for Bilston; however an annexe is decisions have been taken upon representations in Spring 2014 also located in Bilston which future development relating when the Council will set out its caters for primaries 1 and 2 to the new Midlothian Local intentions for development. only. Nurseries are attached Development Plan. to both buildings. This will There is to be no vehicular change when a new primary Bilston Wood, the local access onto Seafield Road school is built in Bilston as woodland area between Roslin from the Cameron Gardens a direct result of the current and Loanhead, is the site for a site. However, there will be housing developments. It will long established eco-camp. pedestrian and cycle links provide a nursery, classes for There are regular buses running between the new development P1-P7 children and facilities daily linking Roslin to Bilston, and the existing community, for adult learning classes, Penicuik, Edinburgh, Bonnyrigg, including safe routes to school. crèche provision and space for Dalkeith and Musselburgh. children’s activities, a general Roslin There are regular buses running purpose hall, community rooms daily linking Bilston to Roslin, Roslin is the site of the historic and changing facilities. The Penicuik, Peebles, Galashiels, Rosslyn Chapel which is a school is due to be completed Edinburgh, Bonnyrigg, Dalkeith popular tourist attraction. Roslin and open in 2016. has several local amenities and Musselburgh. Bilston also including a hotel and restaurant, There is currently a site has a Nightbus service seven bed and breakfast, cafe, allocated for 50 houses in nights a week linking it to hairdressing salon, medical Roslin on its western edge at Edinburgh and Penicuik. practice, local supermarket, Penicuik Road and planning The new Rosslyn Chapel visitors library, a pavilion and several permission has now been centre includes a small café other private members clubs granted. which can be accessed free by such as the local bowling all local residents living in EH25, club, ex-servicemen’s club and As part of the preparation other visitors can get it for £9 the masons lodge. There is of a new Midlothian Local or £7 per year if they gift aid the a Community Council which Development Plan, the council donation. Around 900 passes covers both towns and meets has been consulting through its have been given out so far, of on a monthly basis alternately in Main Issues Report on future which over 260 are to residents Roslin and Bilston. residential sites which could accommodate between 440 of EH25. The education Roslin currently has a Primary and 460 houses in Roslin on centre offers a wide range School which accommodates the Roslin Institute site and land of volunteering and learning children from both Roslin and north of the town. However, no opportunities.
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7 Section 3: POPULATION
The total population of Bilston Bilston and Roslin over the last patients using Roslin Medical and Roslin in 2010 was 3,185. ten years shows that the older Centre in the next 3 to 4 years. The population of the area population is increasing and the The partners at the Medical increased by 5% between child population is decreasing Centre feel that they can 2001 and 2010, whereas, (consistent with local and accommodate this increase. the Midlothian population has national figures). However, if patient numbers remained constant. increase by more than that, they Due to new housing in the will have to look at alternatives. There is a higher percentage Roslin and Bilston area, Midlothian Council has been in of older people (pensionable the population will increase discussion with NHS Lothian age) within Bilston and Roslin significantly over the next few in relation to the production than children (under 16 years. of the new Midlothian Local population). This is consistent Development Plan. with Midlothian and Scotland It is predicted that there will wide figures. The trend within be an increase of approx 500
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8 Section 4: What We Asked
We asked residents their views 500 survey forms were 51 questionnaires were about living in Roslin and delivered to every household completed and returned in Bilston. in Bilston. There was also an Roslin = 10.2% return. online version which could 500 survey forms were be accessed through the 48 questionnaires were delivered through a school Midlothian Council website. completed and returned in bag drop at Roslin Primary The survey asked people what Bilston = 9.6% return. School and were available at they thought about Roslin and Four drop in events were the library, post office, pavilion Bilston as it is, current services organised and held in Roslin and health centre. Collection and how they would like to see and Bilston to discuss the boxes were left at the school, their community improved. pavilion and library for returning results of the consultation. questionnaires. 110 residents attended these events held at Bilston Primary School, Bilston Miners Club and Roslin Pavilion.
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9 Section 5: What People Said About Roslin
• Two thirds of those who We asked respondents to Given that only one young responded were female; one indicate their age giving 7 person responded to the third were male options: questionnaire this will be addressed in the action plan. • Over half of those who Age Responses responded were parents/ 5-11 yrs 1 2% guardians to a child under 18yrs 12-17 yrs 0 0% 18-24 yrs 0 0% • Over half have lived in Roslin for between 5 and 20 years 25-44 yrs 18 35.3% and almost a third have 45-49 yrs 15 29.4% lived there for more than 20 60-69 yrs 4 7.8% years. Two thirds of those 70+ yrs 13 25.5% respondents moved here because they were attracted to the area.
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10 What do people like about living in Roslin? Independent village council/counsellor Public Toilets Be6er faciliDes for children & teenagers e.g. Skate park • Comments from those who Affordable housing to rent No over development of the village completed the questionnaire Events so we can come together as a village clearly illustrate that Roslin Easier access to visitor centre for local residents Community gardens/ allotments is a very attractive and More shops on the High Street/ cafe desirable place to live. Be6er upkeep of green areas, window boxes, properDes etc Less dog fouling Less Li6er • The countryside environment Be6er roads & walkways is a huge attraction, with Less/ slower Traffic 80% of people saying 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% that this is one of the best aspects to living in Roslin. Thoughts on… amongst those the current 46% of people said that the responding building Transport walking and cycle paths in was that the 37 needs to be Penicuik bus improved, given the area are a benefit. Of those who • service should the proposed responded 75% • 58% of people feel the be re-routed via housing were happy with community is friendly, with Roslin. developments the bus service, 56% saying that they enjoy and increase in though feel that Education the community/village the population of the frequency atmosphere that Roslin has. the school. of buses needs • Of respondents • 56% think the services in the improving, 29% feel that Health village such as shops, library, particularly in the the Primary doctors, etc, are an asset, evening. school is • 20% think with the primary school excellent. the service is receiving particularly positive • General excellent and • 22% feel that comments. feedback 31% good.
ROSLIN AND BILSTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2014
11 • 14% commented that the Police • Need more places and current waiting time for opportunities to socialise eg appointments is too long, • 31% commented that the cafe and community groups and fear this will get worse police are rarely seen in Roslin. • “Improve and extend the with the new housing cycle paths” developments. • Some feel a greater police • “Roslin & Bilston are Roads, pavements & walkways presence would be beneficial in Roslin Glen. separate communities” • Dog fouling on pavements General Comments • “Any new housing and walkways is a concern developments should be that needs to be addressed. • “Concerned about the to high architectural and environmental standards” • 39% felt that the roads capacity of the school and pavements are in poor and the doctors with new • “Roslin Glen is a huge asset condition. housing developments” – an information centre and toilets should be provided for • 10% feel that cycle routes and • “A scheme should be pathways also need to be introduced to encourage visitors” improved to encourage more greater civic pride and • “The pavilion needs to be use. generally upgrade the village” refurbished” • 10% feel that the clearing of • “Improvements to the park snow in the winter could be have been very welcome” better. • “Fantastic Primary School & local amenities for kids”
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12 Section 6: What People Said About BILSTON
• 63% of those who We asked respondents to Given the very low response responded were female; indicate their age giving from young people this will be 37% were male 7 options – the spread of addressed in the action plan responses is outlined below: • 4% of returns were from the ethnic minority community. Age Responses • Almost one fifth consider 5-11 yrs 0 0% themselves to have a 12-17 yrs 4 8% disability 18-24 yrs 1 2% • Over a half of residents 25-44 yrs 8 17% who responded have lived 45-49 yrs 6 12% in Bilston for more than 20 60-69 yrs 9 19% years 70+ yrs 20 42%
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13 What do people like about living in What would make Bilston a better place Bilston? to live? • From the responses received, 53% of • People are concerned about litter, dog fouling residents said that they wish to maintain their and would like to see a general upgrading of ‘village’ setting. the area • 57% say that the community is friendly and • People who would like to see an increase in that people know their neighbours leisure facilities for all ages as well as the development of shops in the area • 47% said that the transport is good and that the ease of access to the city is a benefit to living there.
Thoughts on… Education • Children and young people’s activities should take place Transport People said that a new school in the school which should will benefit the community in a act as community hub. 47% of respondents felt number of ways. They would the transport services were like to see a new school being • It is easier to inform and good, however 13% indicated available for the community to communicate with the local that they need improving. In use for day and evening classes. community if the school particular evening bus services The following comments were is the hub of community should be improved particularly received about the importance activity. with the new housing of the new primary school: developments.
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14 • The plans of the new school Health Police need to show clearly the design of the changing While respondents feel that 47% of residents said that the rooms, community facilities the standard of medical care is police presence in Bilston lacked and how the school will be good, the provision in Bilston visibility and that more vehicle welcoming and accessible to could be improved. Many would and foot patrols would let people local people. like to see a return to the visiting know that they are there. doctor holding a local clinic, eg • There needs to be a crèche twice weekly. This would be of Residents who had needed facility for children of adults particular benefit to those with assistance said that the police who are taking part in adult wheelchairs, prams or who have arrived promptly and were very learning provision. difficulty in getting to Roslin. helpful. • The school should be There were also a number of General comments: designed as an eco school, suggestions that with the new with a grass roof, solar housing development there was • “Transport provision is panels and growing areas. now a need for a local surgery excellent” This is an essential part of a offering, GP, Nursing and Dental child’s education. services. • “Many people expressed concern that Cameron • The nursery and P1 need a Roads, pavements & walkways Gardens is going to be shared area for joint working. separate from the rest of the • Outside play areas and The two key issues raised were village, as there is no direct equipment need to be the poor condition of roads and access” “It has been designed carefully considered and pavements 38% said that potholes to be a separate community” and broken ground are the main planned. “Safer routes to school from the problem. Dog fouling is again a • new Taylor Wimpey development • A meeting room for parents concern and inconvenience to have been designed; this close to the nursery class 30% of respondents. is essential for supporting includes two new zebra initial induction and transition There were some suggestions crossings, speed reductions work. that there should be additional on Seafield Road and a new footbridge over the burn” • Snack preparation area pedestrian crossings (manned located in the nursery. at key times of day) especially • “Impact of the growing with the new housing population on services • The nursery requires: development and increased provided at Roslin Health 1. a covered outside play traffic on already busy roads. Centre and Penicuik High area Schools. How is this being Better clearance of snow/ice planned for?” 2. a digging/planting area in the winter months was also 3. a climbing/imaginative requested, especially given that • “Local shops and businesses play area health services are out with the need to take advantage of the increasing population 4. bike/scooter area village and can be difficult to get to if roads/walkways aren’t and be proactive in • Smartboards should be cleared. marketing their businesses installed in all classrooms. to the new residents”
ROSLIN AND BILSTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2014
15 Section 7: WHAT WE’LL DO - THE ROSLIN Action plan
ROSLIN AND BILSTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2014
16 gency A L ead G roup/ Community Council Midlothian Council, Police Scotland, Steering group Community Learning and Development, Midlothian Platform, youth Youth groups and volunteers Midlothian Council Steering group, Rosslyn Chapel imescales T Short term up to 1 year Short term up to 1 year Short term up to 1 year Medium term 1-3 years Medium term 1-3 years roposed ction P A Organise a community walkabout of Roslin to identify needs and explore solutions to local issues Work with local young Work people to design and conduct a young people’s consultation. will aim to This give young people a voice and identify their ambitions for the future. Actions agreed with young people will supplement those in the Neighbourhood Plan Identify requirements and potential developer contributions through the Local Development Plan Improve communication between Rosslyn Chapel and local communities ey I ssues K Fly tipping at the Scottish site, inadequate lighting Water in Roslin Park, dog fouling, improvements to the cycle path network, traffic management problems on the Main Street, safety of footpaths between Roslin and Bilston the repair of potholes at St Claire Crescent Lack of responses and Lack involvement of young people Need for refurbishment or extension of Roslin pavilion Improve access to Rosslyn visitors centre for local chapel residents and communities heme C ommunity P lanning T Sustainable Growth Improving Opportunities Improving Opportunities Improving Opportunities 1 2 3 4 the Roslin Action Pl a n
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17 gency A L ead G roup/ NHS Lothian, Midlothian Council, Public Partnership Forum/Parent Councils Midlothian Council Travel Midlothian Council Travel Team Steering Group, Midlothian Council, NHS Lothian imescales T Medium term 1-3 years Short term up to 1 year Medium term 1-3 years roposed ction P A NHS Lothian and Midlothian Council share with the Public Partnership Forum and Parent Councils how this is being planned for Ongoing discussions with Lothian Buses to promote the re-routing of some main road bus services via Roslin Conduct a targeted consultation with older people ey I ssues K The increasing population The will have an impact on Roslin Health Centre and the schools Public Transport Identify needs of older residents heme C ommunity P lanning T Improving Opportunities Ensuring the area is a safe place to live, work, grow up in and visit Adult Health and Care 5 6 7 the Roslin Action Pl a n
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18 Section 8: WHAT WE’LL DO - THE BILSTON Action plan
ROSLIN AND BILSTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2014
19 gency A L ead G roup/ Steering group, local residents, Midlothian Scotland Council, Police Midlothian Council Community Learning and Development, Platform, Midlothian Youth youth groups, and volunteers Community Council, Midlothian Council, Parents Council Community Council, Bilston Activities Group, Local groups imescales T Short term up to 1 year Short term up to 1 year Medium term 1-3 years Short term up to 1 year Short term up to 1 year roposed ction P A Organise a community walkabout of Bilston to discuss and explore solutions to local issues and identify possible developments Review road signage throughout Bilston Work with local young Work people to design and conduct a young people’s consultation. will aim to This give young people a voice and identify their ambitions for the future. Actions agreed with young people will supplement those in the Neighbourhood Plan Ensure plans of the new show the design of school rooms and the changing community facilities and how these reflect the needs of the community Discuss and agree the location and funding required for a community notice board ey I ssues K The condition of the garages/ The ups off the main road lock are being used to dump which litter Better street lighting required to leading from A701 Castlelaw Crescent Road signage Lack of involvement from Lack young people in the planning of the consultation Access to local facilities for local people. Provision of accessible community facilities Improved access to information heme C ommunity P lanning T Ensuring the area is a safe place to live, work, grow up in and visit Sustainable Growth Improving Opportunities Improving Opportunities Improving Opportunities 1 2 3 4 5 the B ILSTON Action Pl a n
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20 gency A L ead G roup/ NHS Lothian, Midlothian Council, Public Partnership Forum/ Parent Councils Local Traders Community Council Bilston Miners Club Management Committee Community Enterprise Lothian Steering group, community council, Wimpey Taylor Midlothian Council imescales T Short term up to 1 year Medium term 1-3 years Short term up to 1 year Medium term 1-3 years Medium term 1-3 years roposed ction P A Keep in contactKeep with local residents by leaflets through doors: Facebook, Newsletters Email Door to door contact Advertiser The NHS Lothian and Midlothian Council need to share with the Public Partnership and Parent Councils Forum how this will be planned for Establish a Small Traders Establish a Small Traders Association Bilston Miners should produce a business plan sets out a long term which and sustainable future A welcoming pack should A welcoming pack be designed and produced with the support of Taylor and distributed Wimpey to new residents. The should include the pack to Midlothian’ ‘Welcome booklet and latest bus timetables ey I ssues K The increase in population will The have an impact on services provided at • Roslin Health Centre • Local schools Local traders take advantage of the increase in population Bilston Miners currently not being used to its full potential Improve community cohesion between Bilston and the new development heme C ommunity P lanning T Improving Opportunities Sustainable Growth Sustainable Growth Ensuring the area is a safe place to live, work, grow up in and visit 6 7 8 9 the B ILSTON Action Pl a n
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21 Section 9: Reporting and review Reports from the lead agencies will be provided to the Steering Group to allow progress to be monitored. Section 10: Community Planning Partners NHS Lothian: Midlothian Voluntary Action: College: Skills Development Scotland: Scottish Midlothian Council: Police Scotland: Midlothian Fire and Rescue Service: Scottish Enterprise: Federation of Community Councils: Midlothian Scottish Government: Scottish Water: Business Partnership: Sestran: Edinburgh Department of Work and Pensions
Section 11: Acknowledgements The Roslin and Bilston Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group wishes to thank all those local residents and community planning partners who have been involved in contributing to and producing this neighbourhood plan.
For further information contact; Rosie Cowie: (for Bilston) Community Learning and Development 01968 664116 [email protected]
Kirsty Lamb: (for Roslin) Community Learning Development 0131 271 4535 [email protected]
Derek Welsh: Regeneration Development Team 0131 271 3452 [email protected]
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